SANDERS, Stanley Charles

January 1, 1970 — January 1, 1970

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our husband, father, brother, son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle, great great uncle, and dearest Papa. After a valiant battle with cancer, Stan died peacefully at home on February 10, 2018 surrounded by his family and closest friends.

Born in Burns Lake, B.C., Stan was the youngest child of Ollie and Jean Sanders, and the tag-along brother to sisters Geraldine and Glenda. In 1978 Stan followed his heart and married Lisa Van Essen. Together they built a full life, welcoming their son Austen in 1983 and their daughter Vanessa two years later in 1985. He lived in Smithers, B.C. for over sixty years and it was just recently that Stan and Lisa made the decision to move to West Kelowna to be closer to their children, grand children, and extended family.

A hard worker and dedicated civil servant, Stan was an employee with the B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch for well over forty years. He was also a member of Elks Canada, the Royal Canadian Legion and a coffee club coordinator at McDonalds. Living in B.C. his whole life, Stan was no stranger to enjoying the beautiful outdoors. He loved many activities, including gardening, camping, fishing, spending time at Shuswap Lake at the Van Essen family cabin, or taking in the majestic beauty of Hudson Bay Mountain. In his early years Stan also loved playing junior hockey, curling, and downhill skiing.

Stan was truly a gift to so many of us, and has left his mark on those who were blessed to have him in their lives. He lived each day with a quiet sincerity that permeated all that he did. He will be remembered for many things, but perhaps most of all for his unwavering love and devotion to his family, and his adoration of children – many of which knew their role model as simply “Uncle Stan”. A family man through and through, Stan’s legacy is one that’s filled with love, kindness, strength, and overwhelming resilience. While he was stoic and reserved by nature, those that were closest to Stan were a friend for life.

Stan was predeceased by his parents, Ollie and Jean Sanders; sister Glenda Olson (Floyd); father-in-law Fred Van Essen; and sister-in-law Michelle Baker. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years Lisa; his son Austen Sanders (Sarah); his daughter Vanessa Sanderson (Kris); and his incredible grandsons Ryder and Grayson, all of West Kelowna. He also leaves behind his sister Geraldine Moore (Dinty) of Smithers; his mother-in-law Flo Van Essen of West Kelowna; sister-in-laws Angelique Powell (Dave) of Canoe, and Robyn Wettstein (Les) of Abbotsford; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends.

In lieu of flowers and in honour of Stan’s love of children, donations can be made to the Stan Sanders Playground Legacy Fund. This fund will apply all donations received to Shannon Lake Elementary School to aid in the rebuilding of their playground, as well as supplying “Buddy Benches” in memory of Stan. The fund can be accessed by going to: www.gofundme.com/StanleySanders/

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”